Enhancing Hazardous Chemical Management in Chinese University Laboratories:Strategies for Safety and Efficiency

This paper examines the management of hazardous chemicals in Chinese university laboratories,identifying key challenges and proposing improvements.It reviews current practices and safety measures,highlighting deficiencies such as inadequate safety systems and insufficient awareness among personnel.The study emphasizes the necessity of tailored safety management systems,the integration of digital tracking technologies like Radio Frequency Identification,and enhanced safety training for staff.The proposed recommendations aim to mitigate risks and enhance laboratory safety and efficiency.In conclusion,the paper asserts that a comprehensive approach,encompassing improved management systems,technological advancements,and educational initiatives,is essential for safer chemical handling in academic research environments.

Research on the Cultural Construction of Private University Laboratories Based on Cultural Education

University laboratories serve as crucial hubs for scientific and technological innovation and play a vital role in nurturing talents.As pivotal spaces for both teaching and scientific research,the development of laboratories necessitates not only investment in scientific research equipment and experimental facilities but also in cultural construction.This cultural aspect holds significant importance in promoting the comprehensive development of students and enhancing scientific research capabilities.This article concentrates on the strategies for cultivating laboratory culture in private universities,addressing six key dimensions:spiritual culture,institutional culture,scientific culture,innovation culture,safety culture,and shared culture.

A survey on the status of semen analysis in 118 laboratories in China

Collecting baseline information on how laboratories perform testing is a reasonable first step towards establishing intra- and inter-laboratory standardization and quality control for semen analysis. We carried out a survey of the laboratories performing the testing in China's Mainland. A questionnaire, composed of 36 questions covering all aspects of semen analysis, was designed, and a copy was distributed to each of the 145 laboratories. Of these, 118 laboratories completed the questionnaires. The survey results showed that semen volume was measured visually in 53.6% （59/110） of the responding laboratories, and 70.9% （73/103） of laboratories analysed incompletely liquefied semen without any treatment. In addition, both manual-microscopic and computer-assisted semen-analysis systems were applied to analyse sperm concentration, motility and morphology. However, more than five methods were employed in routine sperm staining. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was commonly used for determining whether antisperm antibodies were present. Several seminal biochemical markers were analysed in only 27.1% （32/118） of the responding laboratories. Generally, there was a lack of intra- and inter-laboratory quality control measures for semen analysis in all laboratories responding to this survey. In conclusion, the methods of semen analysis and the interpretation of test results in the surveyed laboratories differed markedly. In particular, many laboratories employed methods other than those recommended by the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual for the Examination of Human Semen and Sperm- cervical Mucus Interaction （1999）. These findings suggest an urgent need for the standardization of semen analysis with acceptable quality controls for each parameter to make the results repeatable and meaningful.

Semen analysis standardization： is there any problem in Polish laboratories？

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of compliance of Polish laboratories with World Health Organization （WHO） recommendations, with regard to semen analysis methodology. A survey requesting information about methods of semen analysis was distributed to employees of 55 laboratories. Respondents who had participated in external seminological workshops （31%） were termed certified respondents （CR）, the remaining （69%）--non-certified respondents （NCR）. Only one laboratory （6%） in the CR group and none in the NCR were compliant with WHO guidelines for methods and equipment used to evaluate seminal volume, sperm motility, concentration, vitality and morphology. Most problems were of volume measurement （weighing method was reported by 17% of CR and 10% of NCR） and staining method for sperm morphology （Papanicolau or Diff-Quik were found in 33% of CR and 23% of NCR）. A three- or four-point grading of sperm motility was used by the majority of respondents; however, 17% of CR and 37% of NCR did not use a laboratory counter to tally spermatozoa. Although a haemocytometer method was used by 80% of laboratories in each group, the improved Neubauer chamber was used only by 42% of CR and 19% of NCR. In each group, 24% of laboratories did not perform a vitality test. Procedural errors and the interchangeable utilization of two or even three methods to analyse a given parameter was observed in both groups. The results indicate a need for standardisation of the methods and continuous, unified training in semen analysis in Polish laboratories.

Co-management: transformation of community affair model in Chinese nature reserves

This article analyzes the application of co-management in establishing and zoning nature reserves, explains two types of participatory models, explains the main content and steps required to implement a co-management program, and suggests future direction of co-management. In China, great progress has been achieved since 1956 when the first nature reserve was established. However, conflicts between nature reserve officials and community members, and differences be-tween conservation and utilization of natural resources suggest that the traditional community affair model is unfit to some de-gree. A more workable and economically sustainable model is recommended. Co-management appears to be the preferred management model. International conservation organizations have carried out projects in Chinese nature reserves in recent years, and co-management is thought to be an effective approach to resolve conflicts coming from community and to improve nature reserves management.

Challenges of a negative work load and implications on morale,productivity and quality of service delivered in NHS laboratories in England

The National Health Service(NHS)is a term used to describe the publicly funded healthcare delivery system providing quality healthcare services in the United Kingdom.There are several challenges militating against the effective laboratory service delivery in the NHS in England.Biomedical scientists work in healthcare to diagnose disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment through the analysis of body fluids and tissue samples from patients.They provide the"engine room"of modern medicine with 70%of diagnosis based on the laboratory results generated by them.This review involved the search of literature for information on working condition of biomedical scientist in the NHS in England.Laboratory service delivery in the NHS in England faces numerous daunting challenges;staffing levels in the last few years have become dangerously low,less remunerated,relatively less experienced and predominantly band 5's,multidisciplinary rather than specialty based,associated with working more unsocial hours without adequate recovery time,de-banding of staff,high staff turnaround,profit and cost driven rather than quality.These factors has resulted in burn out,low morale,high sickness absences,increased error rate,poor team spirit,diminished productivity and suboptimal laboratory service delivery.There is the urgent need to retract our steps on unpopular policies to ensure that patient care is not compromised by ensuring adequate staffing level and mix,ensuring adequate remuneralion of laboratory staff,implementing evidenced-based specialty oriented service,determining the root cause/s for the high staff turnover and implementing corrective action,identifying other potential sources of waste in the system rather than pruning the already dangerously low staffing levels and promoting a quality delivery side by side cost effectiveness.

Sharing and evaluation of a new community co-management model for protecting Crested Ibis:a case study of Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve,China

The Crested Ibis(Nipponia Nippon) is endemic to Qinling Mountains of China and was once abundant over vast areas of north-east of Asia habitat.During the 20th century,however,the population declined greatly in numbers.Habitat quality used to be the main threat to this species but recent actions by the government and wildlife protection organizations have brought this under control.With the establishment of Crested Ibis Nature Reserve in China,conflicts between socio-economic development and Crested Ibis conservation have become more acute.How do we deal with the relation between Crested Ibis conservation and community development? In this study,the Crested Ibis Nature Reserve co-management model namely "companies + farmers + Nature Reserve" model is proposed and evaluated with demonstration investigation methods,including continuous six-year fixed-site socio-economic development data of surrounding community,company sales revenue data and monitored data of Crested Ibis Nature Reserve.The results show that farmers' income and conservation awareness increased greatly from 2003 to 2008;company sales revenue has increased by about 20% annually in the recent years;management level has noticeably improved in Nature Reserve,the scope of Crested Ibis habitat has expanded 50 hm2;chemical composition of habitat reduced year after year;and the number of Crested Ibis had been growing annually.At the end,the success of the model is evaluated,and problems in implementation of the model are discussed from the following aspects:management system,co-management concept,economic base of partners,marketing mechanism,technical capacity and so on.

THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE NATIONAL LABORATORIES IN MATERIALS RESEARCH

The role of the National Laboratories is summarized from the era of post World War II to the present time. The U.S. federal government policy for the National Laboratories and its influence on their materials science infrastructure is reviewed with respect to .determining overall research strategies, various initiatives to interact with industry (especially in recent years),building facilities that serve the nation, and developing leading edge research in the materials sciences. Despite reductions in support for research in the U.S. in recent years, and uncertainties regarding the specific policies for Research &Development (R&D) in the U.S., there are strong roles for materials research at the National Laboratories. These roles will be centered on the abilities of the National Laboratories to field multidisciplinary teams, the use of unique cutting edge facilities, a focus on areas of strength within each of the labs,increased teaming and partnerships, and the selection of motivated research areas. It is hoped that such teaming opportunities will include new alliances with China, in a manner similar, perhaps, to those recently achieved between the U.S. and other countries.

Construction and Application of Comprehensive Management Platform for Laboratories in Colleges and Universities

Educational informatization is a long-term and continuous process of development, The construction of laboratory information needs to meet the needs of students' experimental learning, needs to shift from management business to Comprehensive management of laboratory, such as personnel, equipment, funds and laboratory activities. The purpose of this article is to establish a comprehensive management center for laboratory related information such as personnel, equipment, construction funds and experimental activities, applying the idea of smart campus and the key technology of "Internet plus" era and integrating the departmental business integration with the cultivation of students' innovative ability. The construction of platfbnn can realize information query, statistics and analysis and utilization in laboratory, establish personalized experimental learning environment, and achieve the goal of laboratory omnibearing management.

Development of a Competitiveness Improvement Framework for Forensic Science Laboratories

This study presents a methodology used in developing the competitiveness improvement framework (CIF) for laboratories, in particular, Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs). The cyclic nature of FSL processes allowed data collection for the purpose of identification of factors affecting FSL performance (cause factors). Flow charts were used to represent mathematical formulations for cause factor measurements and quantification of the baseline data on turnaround time (TAT), backlogs for case files (Bg), turnaround time in the supply chain (Tsc), and employee absenteeism (Ab). By quantifying the cause factors in addition to academic development coefficient (Ad) and complex longevity (Lc) for FSL employees, it was possible to establish the organizational design features requiring improvements. The relevance of cause factors to FSL stakeholders and means of improvement and sustainability were established. A detailed road map towards CIF was presented using D-MAIC methodology. The rated cause factors based on challenges in the FSL business environment were subjected to Pareto analysis to prioritize the challenges in order to improve FSLs’ competitiveness. The interrelationship between the three dimensions of competitiveness improvement (process, performance and planning) was presented in terms of the affected six cause factors. Also, the potential lean practices for improving competitiveness of FSL based on measured cause factors have been presented. This paper introduced methods and measures for improving operational competitiveness of laboratories. The CIF was finally presented in a form of a series of three flow charts summarizing all steps implemented in its development with inputs and cause factors involved.

Evaluation of Asbestos Exposure Associated with Research Laboratories

Asbestos containing materials (ACM) have been used for decades in research laboratory products including gloves, tong sleeves, Transite board, and other materials. These materials typically contain chrysotile asbestos with concentrations ranging up to 80%. The objective of this research was to evaluate asbestos exposure from gloves, tong sleeves, and Transite board with simulated laboratory use. An environmental chamber was used to simulate laboratory application of the products. Bulk samples of various products were tested before and after use. Personal breathing zone air samples as well as one cumulative air sample were collected during testing and followed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7400/7402 methodologies. Phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for sample analyses. Analysis of air samples using PCM, showed airborne fiber concentrations as high as 0.058 f/cc during use of tongs fitted with asbestos sleeves. Further analysis using TEM showed that the highest airborne fiber concentration was 0.0036 f/cc. Manipulation of Transite board resulted in 8-hour time-weighted-average (TWA) asbestos levels as high as 0.02 f/cc. Testing of various asbestos containing materials used in research laboratories indicate low potential for asbestos fiber exposures.

AI-Driven Robotic Laboratories Show Promise

Elaborate proof-of-principle experiments in several laboratories around the world have recently offered glimpses of a future in which high-throughput automatic laboratories guided by artificial intelligence(AI)might enhance the process for discovery of new materials,such as those for clean energy technologies.And in chemical engineering,using AI to aid in synthesis planning and performance offers the prospect of scientists needing little more than an idea and an internet connection to generate novel molecules in state-of-the-art,remote laboratories.Announced in August 2020,International Business Machine Corporation(IBM)’s RoboRXN for Chemistry provides a high-profile example of the potential for combining AI and laboratory automation[1].The system not only provides chemical recipes to produce organic molecules of interest but can also synthesize those molecules automatically using commercially available hardware—in the case of IBM’s demonstrator,a Flex-category automated-synthesis workstation(Fig.1)manufactured by Chemspeed Technologies(Füllinsdorf,Switzerland).

How Liquid Based Microbiology Can Change the Workflow in the Microbiology Laboratories

Liquid-based microbiology (LBM) is the future for the technological development of microbiology laboratories. In particular, the Eswab system (by Copan) simplifies and streamlines specimen collection and represents the only liquid system supporting the recovery of all types of bacteria (aerobic, anaerobic, and fastidious bacteria). In addition, LBM offers advantages in the efficiency of microorganism recovery and ease of sampling, transport, and storage. LBM also allows the introduction of true automation in the laboratory: either by using Copan ? (Walk-Away Specimen Processor) or any other commercially available specimen processor that utilizes LBM. In this paper, we illustrate how LBM can positively change laboratory workflow by illustrating several years of our experience with LBM. LBM allows clinical specimen optimization and has several important advantages: cost reduction (due to the smaller number of different devices used), time savings for medical or nursing staff (less confusion in collection device selection and fewer samples being collected), time savings for laboratory staff (fewer samples to access and handle for individual investigations), and patient comfort improvement (multiple sample collection can be avoided). A unique collection device for several investigations also guarantees quality due to the uniformity of the sample and standardization of procedures.

The Behaviour of Vertical Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time Algorithm Combined with Multiuser Detection Schemes in Wireless Communication System

This paper provides the performance analysis of multiuser Vertical Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time (V-BLAST) system receiver structures for Multiple-input Multiple-Output (MIMO) channel at a base station with assumption of perfect channel estimation and perfect timing delay estimation. In MIMO channels the receivers such as decorrelator, Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) and Multistage Parallel Interference Cancellation (MPIC) receiver outperform the conventional receiver. Withal, since the multiple antenna interference led to a strong impact on the performance degradation of a multistage interference cancellation receiver, the performance of MPIC receiver was highly degraded based on system loading.

RETRACTED: Professional Autonomy in the Running of Diagnostic Laboratories in Nigeria

Short Retraction Notice The paper does not meet the standards of "Open Journal of Internal Medicine". The article has been retracted due to the investigation of complaints received against it. The substantial portions of the text came from Prof. Philip O. Olatunji, "We came to this painful conclusion as a result of parochialism, distortion of facts, deliberate ignorance, falsehood and slander contained in the said article". The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and we treat all unethical behavior seriously. This article has been retracted to straighten the academic record. In making this decision the Editorial Board follows COPE's Retraction Guidelines. Aim is to promote the circulation of scientific research by offering an ideal research publication platform with due consideration of internationally accepted standards on publication ethics. The Editorial Board would like to extend its sincere apologies for any inconvenience this retraction may have caused. Editor guiding this retraction: Professor Luigi Iuliano (EB, OJIM) Please see the article page for more details. The full retraction notice in PDF is preceding the original paper which is marked "RETRACTED".

E-Commerce and E-Technology Contribution in Engineeringand Scientific Laboratories Equipments Contracts at JordanianUniversities

This paper presents the role of E-commerce and E-technology in simplifying operations of preparing quotations and contracts of supporting engineering and scientific laboratories by required equipments and tools at Jordanian universities.The experimental and practical sides of education in scientific colleges in Jordanian universities is very important,so many quotations and contacts are performed and required each year,and E-commerce also offers the required information and specifications to persons responsible to do such contacts by using Business-to-Consumer,Consumer-to-Consumer or Business-to-Business principles.By searching about such equipments using search engines,many companies present their products and their specifications and give you the opportunity to select the suitable devices and tools depending on their specifications and prices.Case studies are discussed for some devices to show how much E-commerce simplifies this operation.It was found that E-commerce and E-technology reduces both time and efforts required to support both engineering and scientific labs with their needs from equipments,catalogs and tools required to such devices.

Contribution of the Advanced Research Laboratories at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) to SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Ghana

In March 2020, the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were reported in Accra, Ghana. These initial cases were diagnosed at the Advanced Research Laboratories (ARL) of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana. The ARL which hitherto was used for routine clinical research in viral, bacteria and immunological studies has since been the facility of choice for testing for all suspected cases of COVID-19 submitted from across Ghana and beyond. The success of testing at the ARL hinged on the availability of several laboratory spaces furnished with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and working aids. During the “peak season” where overwhelming numbers of clinical specimens were received, the ARL processed and got results for close to four thousand samples daily. After general disinfection and re-bagging into smaller numbers, at the entrance of the ARL, the samples are taken to a central receiving laboratory, where they are received and entered in a database with accompanying case investigation forms. All samples that are successfully sorted and matched are sent to general laboratories for nucleic acid extraction and then referred to the Instrumentation laboratory for real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). When the RT-PCRs were completed, results were analysed and transmitted via email and/or local network to the data reporting office. The data managers then reported results to the investigators and the Ghana Health Service (GHS). Additionally, the ARL provided a next-generation Genome Sequencing platform in partnership with the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens at the University of Ghana, which was essential in reporting the genome data of the circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana. Conclusively, it is worth noting, that the NMIMR fulfilled its mandate of supporting the country with specialized diagnostics through the judicious use of the ARL for SARS-CoV-2 testing, from sample receipt to data reporting. The ARL facility and the research faculty have trained and continue to train budding laboratories on biosafety, biosecurity, best practices and testing protocols. It is obvious that the success story of SARS-CoV-2 testing in Ghana, cannot be complete without the mention of the ARL at NMIMR.

Solving the Perennial Problems of Inadequate Physical Laboratories in Africa Through the Use of Virtual Reality Technology and Tools

The major restriction for learning in science and engineering education in Africa is the absence of equipped laboratories. Where laboratory is available, there is the problem of obsolete and antiquated materials, which are seldom available for use. In most Universities in Africa, there is inadequate supply of laboratory space and laboratory materials. The laboratories only have the items of equipment that were provided when the universities were established, this has hampered learning. An alternative educational approach is required to address the aforementioned problems and provide a cost-effective solution for education as well as a valuable complementary or learning tool for university students. The alternative approach is the use of Virtual Reality （VR） technology to simulate virtual learning environments such as virtual reality laboratories. This is a one solution to inadequate physical laboratories in Africa.